Optimizing operating department facility capacity with the queuing theory / 中华医院管理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective Reengineering of existing facility capacity of the hospital operating department to tap the potential of the capacity, and development of scientific and quantitative basis for hospital decision-making. Methods Existing data of the hospital's operating department was called into play for a fit test of probability distribution, followed by an analysis of such capacity in the queuing theory, ending with a redesign based on the present service demand.Results The operating department in question was found with a low utilization, and with surplus capacity. When the utilization lies between 70% and 80% (7 operating rooms), the queuing system indexes are optimal.Conclusion It is rational and feasible to analyze and optimize operating department facility capacity in the queuing theory. This is conductive to increasing operating room utilization and enhancing hospital competitiveness.